PROPENSITY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'propensity' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning , penchant , and proclivity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination. // a propensity to offer advice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leaning' instead of 'propensity'?

The meanings of leaning and propensity largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

Q: When can 'penchant' be used instead of 'propensity'?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: When could 'proclivity' be used to replace 'propensity'?

The synonyms proclivity and propensity are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

propensity

noun

prə-ˈpen(t)-sə-tē

Definition of propensity next

as in tendency

an established pattern of behavior the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inclination

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a neighbor who has an unfortunate propensity for snooping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun propensity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning, penchant, and proclivity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of propensity?

The meanings of leaning and propensity largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When can penchant be used instead of propensity?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When could proclivity be used to replace propensity?

The synonyms proclivity and propensity are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of propensity Ask yourself the following questions: What will close any gap in their propensity to be aligned, and are they set up to succeed? —

Dominik Szot, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Jurickson Profar should be fined by MLB for this inflammatory conduct because of its propensity for inciting exactly what occurred. —

Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024 Sun Exposure: Part to full shade Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, rich Soil pH: Slightly acidic to Neutral (6.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 Hostas are well known for their showy foliage—and their propensity to attract slugs and snails. —

Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2024 The head of the British head of state stood lower by at least a foot than that of her American counterpart; owing to her propensity for wearing broad-brimmed hats, the challenge of maintaining eye contact might have daunted even the most emotionally intelligent of statesmen. —

Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for propensity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity

Noun

And while her tendency to deviate from what’s considered professional is a major archetype of her personality, there’s much more to Ava that other people in leadership roles can learn from.

Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
The sulfur particles, on the other hand, ranked second to last because of their tendency to absorb sunlight at certain wavelengths rather than reflect it and its clumpiness.

Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024